Page 39 - All files for Planning Inspectorate

2.0 APPOINTMENT AND BRIEF

2.1 Lytle Associates Architects were originally appointed by Ashgrove Homes Ltd
in October 2017 to prepare a masterplan for the site which was developed
into a full planning application for 71 dwellings (DM/18/1548), submitted in
April 2018. This quantum evolved based upon feedback to a pre-application
for 90 units (DM/16/2845) and the Ashurst Wood Neighbourhood Plan Policy
(AWNP, 2016) that called for a quantum of 50+ to be provided on the site.
This application was refused in March 2019.

2.2 Whilst the first application for 71 dwellings was running Lytle Associates
engaged with both Mid Sussex District Council’s (MSDC) Planning
Applications Team Leader and case officer, Steve King, and MSDC’s in-house
Urban Designer, Will Dorman.

2.3 Following refusal of the first application for 71 dwellings, Lytle Associates
were instructed to prepare a second application for 54 dwellings informed by
the discussions and feedback that had taken place during the first application.
This second full application was prepared to address issues raised by officers
in the first application and was submitted in March 2019 (DM/19/1025).

2.4 Lytle Associates continued to engage in detail with MSDC officers during the
second application and made a number of amendments to address further
design feedback albeit the overall quantum remained at 54 dwellings,
resulting in the support of the MSDC Urban Designer and Design Review
Panel. The application was ultimately refused in September 2019, with 3
reasons for refusal. Design and layout was not listed as a reason for refusal.

1809 Appeal Hearing Statement_FINAL_191212 Page 5 of 17
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